Justices of the Supreme Court on Saturday shunned the inauguration of members of the election petitions tribunal by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed.
The event was held at
the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja on Saturday.It was observed that unlike
the custom where justices of the Supreme Court attend such functions
with the CJN, only one of the Supreme Court justices, Justice Sidi Dauda
Bage, joined the Acting CJN, Justice Mohammed on the court podium.
The
absence of the justices may not be unconnected with the crisis at the
highest echelon of the nation’s judiciary following the corruption
charges against the embattled CJN Walter Onnoghen over his alleged
non-declaration of assets and his subsequent suspension by President
Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
The Acting CJN Mohammed swore-in 250
members of the election petitions tribunal panels for the 2019 general
elections in the country.
Speaking during the inauguration,
Justice Mohammed charged the tribunal members to know that they are
accountable to God under the oath they have just sworn.
“This is
an ethical undertaking to justice as well as uphold the Rule of Law in
our courts. As such, I implore you to discharge your onerous duty
diligently and with the fear of God Almighty. The judiciary is in trying
times, and you must stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this
arm of government,” he said.
“I therefore congratulate you on
this appointment and I urge you to see this assignment as a call to
greater service to your nation. I encourage you to uphold and enhance
the honour and standing of the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty
Allah will bestow upon you strength, good health and wisdom in the
performance of your duties.”
The Acting CJN also apologised to
the newly inaugurated election tribunal members for his inability to
personally shake hands with each of them due to lack of time.
Source:- Dailytrustng
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